Downtown Racine is one of the Midwest's most unique and vibrant lakefront communities. Make Downtown Racine your getaway destination for boating, dining, shopping, art, and fun! Our historic charm, boutiques, art galleries, international cuisine, and museums are just a few of the reasons why Downtown Racine is the place to see, and here are some reasons why you should rediscover Downtown Racine this summer.
Find Your Zen with Bend and Brew
Returning for a fifth year, Downtown Racine Corporation presents Bend and Brew, a free outdoor yoga at Reefpoint Marina Park's grassy park area at the east end of Christopher Columbus Causeway overlooking beautiful Lake Michigan. Lead by Yoga Roots Racine, yoga sessions will be held Wednesday nights and Saturdays mornings from June 1 to October 12. After every session, participants will receive a certificate to use towards a free coffee or beer at participating businesses.
With Lake Michigan as the backdrop, spend time each week with a relaxing hour of yoga. Sessions will be lead with people of all ages and skill levels in mind. Bring your own yoga mat or towel, and water. Registration is not required, but plan to arrive 5-10 minutes prior to start time to sign-in. Although this is a free yoga session, there is a recommended donation of $5 to go towards the instructors from Yoga Roots Racine.
Tune in to Outdoor Live Music
Celebrating its 20th year, Music on the Monument runs Fridays, June 17 to August 26 from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Monument Square in downtown Racine. This FREE summer-long concert series will feature bands from a variety of genres.
In addition, Saturday Sounds on the Square returns for the 5th year with FREE live music from various genres on Saturdays, June 18 to August 27 from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m.
Music on the Monument Lineup | Saturday Sounds on the Square Lineup
"Rockin Rhymes" by Shannon Gegare
Interact with Art on a Scavenger Hunt
Downtown Racine is celebrating its 21tst consecutive year of public art in 2022 with rocking chairs. Stroll along and see the variety of artwork designed by local artists to activate and enlighten the main streets of our city.
For the fourth year running, the Downtown Racine Corporation is hosting an interactive scavenger hunt with the public art project. Answer at least 15 questions and receive a $5 downtown gift card valid at over 100 locations. Drop off your completed worksheet to the Downtown Racine Corporation Office at 425 Main St., which is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 12-4 p.m. Download a printable Scavenger Hunt map and worksheet.
Learn About Historic Downtown Racine with a Walking Tour
Experience Racine's rich industrial and architectural heritage in and around the downtown, lakefront and Root River Valley areas in a guided walking tour provided by the Racine Heritage Museum. This popular walking tour is a 1.1 mile, one and a half to two-hour walking tour in beautiful downtown Racine, the Lake Michigan lakefront, and several periods of Wisconsin's rich and storied abolitionist, industrial, architectural, and immigrant history. The passionate volunteer tour guides are well-known and well-informed Racine locals who dedicate their summertime Saturdays to sharing the stories of their home.
Tours are Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. from May through September starting at the front steps of the Racine Heritage Museum. Reserve your tickets in advance online or at the museum shop.
Enjoy a Variety of Dining and Shopping Options
Downtown Racine has an array of dining options throughout the downtown area that will tantalize your taste buds and satisfy your cravings for unique delicacies. Enjoy tapas, hibachi-style Japanese cuisine, Italian, Mexican delights, Korean specialties, Jamaican spices, Irish fare, world famous burgers, and unbelievable breakfast options. There is a restaurant for every taste in downtown Racine!
Also experience Downtown Racine's unique boutiques and galleries that offer unsurpassed customer service and unique items not found in "big box stores," and all within a comfortable walking distance Stroll downtown and admire the charming historic storefronts and buildings and discover new treasures, unique gifts and clothing, imports, hand-crafted jewelry, antiques, original art, and so much more.
Celebrate First Fridays with Local Businesses
The first Friday of each month, celebrate great downtown amenities such as shopping, free museum exploration, art exhibits, dining, and live music. With more than 50 businesses participating in this signature community event, there is always something to do or discover. First Fridays are held the first Friday each month April through December from 4 to 9 p.m. at Main and 6th Streets in Downtown Racine.
Find Fresh Produce and Handmade Goods at Racine HarborMarket
The Downtown Racine Corporation and Kenosha's Original HarborMarket have joined forces to launch the Racine HarborMarket on the last Thursday of each month June to September from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. The unprecedented collaboration brings the award-winning European-style outdoor market that has been a Kenosha fixture for 20 years to Racine's Monument Square, a city treasure that has been a site of community celebration for more than 180 years.
Shoppers will be able to find the freshest regional produce, including favorites such as berries and other fruits and vegetables, fresh flower bouquets and plants (vegetables, herbs, shrubs, flowers and more). Artisan baked-good vendors will be selling pastries, breads, pies, tarts, cookies and more. Arts and crafts vendors will also be on hand, including local and regional galleries, crafters and painters. Live music will also be featured on each date and beer will be available for purchase.
Parking each week can be found at the Lake Avenue Ramp (300 Lake Avenue), Civic Centre Ramp (501 Lake Avenue) and the McMynn Ramp (120 7th Street) for only $2 all day.
Find Fun All Year Round
There's always something to do in Downtown Racine, especially when there are so many signature events to choose from! From themed Beer, Bacon and Wine Walks to family-focused fun, such as parades and the annual Party on the Pavement in September, you will always find a reason to make your way downtown.
Download the Downtown Racine 2022 Events Calendar.
Visit the Downtown Racine Corporation's website for more information.
